Welcome back to the latest series here on The Peak Lapel! In this seven-part series we will show you how to put together an entire week’s worth of outfits for under $1,000. Sounds impossible?! Well, believe us, it can be done! Stick around, and make sure to check back on the site, as we release each day’s edition of this series over the coming weeks. It will culminate in a downloadable PDF that will be available to all email subscribers (so make sure you’re subscribed by entering your email on the bottom of the page, or in the drop-down menu in the upper left corner of the site).
We’ll be focusing on a more business-casual look and feel overall, as this will cover a majority of guys, in most situations. If you’re working in a more corporate environment, you will likely have a collection of a few suits that you rotate through anyway. On the other hand, it’s always better to be a little bit better dressed than your counterparts, so if you’re used to truly casual-wear, this series will show you how to upgrade. Finally, if business-casual is your typical go-to, this series should give you lots of inspiration for outfits to put together to throw into your rotation. All while far from breaking the bank! We’ll be covering everything from perfect office looks, to a semi-casual look, to weekend looks as well. Everything will be included, so you’ll be prepared for just about anything a typical week might throw at you.
Lastly, just a few parting pointers before we get started. One, we will not be using any sale prices. Since price constantly fluctuates at many online retailers, in this series we’ll be using the highest, typical retail price so that, no matter when you get around to shopping, you’ll be able to make this whole week’s worth of outfits for less than a grand. Two, we will not be including basics in this series. Meaning, ties, socks, undershirts, belts, and so on we will assume you already own and have in your closet or drawers. We’ll be focusing on the meat and potatoes here, so to speak, not the salt and pepper. Alright! That just about does it. Now let’s get to it!
We continue now with a Wednesday look that is a slightly more casual take on the Tuesday look we last did. It’s a great example of how swapping out one or two items can totally change the look and feel of an outfit. The same shoe, or shirt, or pants can stay over, but swap everything else out for a radically different look and appeal. This look can work in a more casual office environment, but, of course, can easily transition to the night, the bar, or a nice restaurant with friends. All while keeping you comfortable and sharp.
J Crew 484 Stretch Chino — $68.00: J Crew recently dropped the price of their famous and much beloved chinos a couple of bucks. They’re now an even better value. These have some nice added stretch that definitely goes a long way in adding comfort. Chinos with no stretch at all are a thing of the past, and instantly feel like there is something missing. Once you go stretch, you don’t go back. These come in a wide array of colors, but we love the Deepest Navy shown above. Goes great with most any shirt, and is a killer combo with the penny loafers. If you’d like a different fit that is not quite as slim as the 484, or a different fabric style, check out their full selection of pants. It’s quite extensive. (The one catch? Fit consistency. J Crew, like many other big-box retailers these days, has been having some serious fit consistency issues. So, beware.)
Hugh & Crye Popover Shirt — $55: For how awesome they are, popover shirts are surprisingly difficult to find, especially at this reasonable a price. Popover shirts are a bit polo, a bit dress shirt. A perfect hybrid between the two. Gets you bonus style points for wearing something subtly cool that most people won’t even know where to buy, and can do anything both a dress shirt and a polo do. Not rocket science. It’ll be a tad bit dressier than a polo, and a tad bit less dressy than a true dress shirt. One warning: Because they don’t button all the way down, they can be a bit of a tricky ordeal to get on and off. So, you might want to go a bit less slim on these guys than you usually would (especially since they are a bit less dressy of a shirt anyway). Speaking of sizing, Hugh & Crye has their own unique approach, matching to your body type as opposed to neck or sleeve measurements. You might like it a lot. Many guys do. Some don’t. So, just consider that. (On that note — I always feel like Hugh & Crye is about to shut its doors, and then they pop out a couple more new shirts. What’s with them?) Available in a bunch of fabrics, and also the more casual band collar option.
Jack Erwin Charlie Penny Loafer (Already Purchased): These Jack Erwin loafers are a perfect entry into slightly higher end shoes. They are classic, versatile, and easy to wear. Pair these with the outfit put together here and you’re in for a killer, but still somewhat laid back, look. But these shoes will work just as well with dressier pants, shorts, or even a full suit. Available in three colors. Darker is more conservative, while lighter is more summer-y and a bit more casual.
TOTAL: $467 + $127.50 + $123
LEFT OVER: $282.50
Be sure to check back soon for the next weekday’s installment!